*As Nigerians in South Africa urge FG, African leaders to tackle xenophobic attacks
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel on April 25, in Port Elizabeth.
The Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement on Monday following the passing of the two compatriots.
Okey-Uche said killings had further raised questions about the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.
She added that the separate incidents had thrown the deceased families, the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in shock.
The Consul-General noted the inherent danger over continuous generalisation in some quarters and tagging of well-meaning innocent Nigerians in the country as criminals.
Okey-Uche said, “On this, we are calling on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators of the gruesome act to justice.
“Our position is that no matter what the allegations may be, there are lawful processes and steps to justice. All should be presumed innocent and granted fair treatment and hearing in a court of law.
“No one should take laws into their own hands under any circumstances. We hope to achieve the ultimate prosecution of the perpetrators,” she said.
She appealed to Nigerian citizens to remain calm and law-abiding, as they conduct their legal activities and go about their daily lives in South Africa.
She said that the Consulate had received the report of the preliminary investigation on the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s death.
Emmanuel’s untimely death allegedly resulted from injuries sustained during the brutal beatings by the military personnel on April 20, 2026.
His compatriot allegedly following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police.
Andrew was apprehended on April 19, in Booysens area of Pretoria, and his body was subsequently discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary in circumstances.
“A formal case has been opened with the South African Police Service and the matter is being investigated.
“We welcome this development and underscore the importance of ensuring the investigation is conducted in a thorough, transparent, and impartial manner.
“In this regard, the Consulate-General respectfully calls on the relevant South African authorities, including the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), to expedite inquiries and establish the facts surrounding this incident,” she said.
According to her, the Consulate is in active engagement with the appropriate South African authorities and closely monitoring developments.
“We are poised to assist the family of the deceased to provide necessary Consular support and assistance,” she said.
She further expressed condolences to the respective families of the deceased, while praying for their souls to rest in peace.
She promised to fulfill the Consulate’a mandate focused on overseeing the welfare and fair treatment of all Nigerians.
The Nigerian envoy urged the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and allow relevant authorities to carry out their investigations.
XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has appealed to the Federal Government and African leaders to halt the prevailing xenophobic attacks by South Africans against fellow Africans in the country.
NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, made the appeal following the incessant harassment, intimidation and the brutal killing of foreign nationals in South Africa in a statement on Monday.
Onyekwelu expressed concern over the targeted harassment and reported instances of police brutality against Nigerian citizens and other African nationals in South Africa.
According to him, the spate of such violent crime requires urgent intervention to avoid escalation.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders overseeing the affairs of Nigerians abroad to wade in early enough to halt the attacks.
Onyekwelu said, “We are alarmed by the increasing normalisation of hostility, manifested through inflammatory rhetorics by certain political actors, unlawful intimidation, and discriminatory enforcement practices by some law enforcement personnel.
“These actions not only undermine human dignity, but also threaten the long standing bonds of African solidarity.
“On behalf of the Nigerian community, I appeal to President Tinubu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives to act with urgency, firmness, and strategic diplomacy in tackling these developments.”
The NICASA President stressed that the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad is not optional but a constitutional and moral obligation.
According to him, silence or delayed responses only reinforces the dangerous and false narrative that Nigerians in the diaspora are abandoned by their own government.
He underscored the need for high-level diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to ensure the protection of lives, businesses, and the rights of Nigerians.
Onyekwelu also suggested the establishment of a transparent mechanism for reporting, documenting, and addressing cases of abuse, harassment, and xenophobic violence.
He said there should also be accountability for any law enforcement officers found culpable in acts of brutality or discrimination in the host country.
This, he suggested, would serve as a deterrent and ensure the safety and welfare of citizens globally.
“Nigerians in South Africa are law-abiding, economically contributing, and socially integrated members of society. The reckless stereotyping and collective criminalization of our people must stop.
“The clear efforts and community intervention of the Nigerian Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, has lightened up hope and shown that we still have concerned and committed mission whose efforts and actions need more governmental backing.
“NICASA reiterates its commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and constructive engagement within our host nation. We urge compatriots to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with the laws of South Africa, while we pursue diplomatic and institutional remedies,” he said.
He further said: “We also urge all African leaders to work closely together in ending the current trend of intra-African hostility that is unacceptable and unsustainable.
“We call for a united continental response through the African Union and regional blocs to confront and dismantle the structures, narratives, and policies that fuel this growing intolerance.”
According to him, Africa cannot rise while Africans are divided against themselves, adding that xenophobia is a direct contradiction of the vision of continental integration and shared prosperity.
He stressed that Africa’s unity is not just a slogan, but one of necessity and that the need for peaceful coexistence across the continent is not optional, but one of shared responsibility.
“NICASA remains resolute in advocating for justice, dignity, and the protection of every Nigerian in Diaspora,” he added.
